How do I create a podcast?

Mac users can use GarageBand for audio production and iMovie or Final Cut Pro for video production.

PC users can choose from a number of audio and video production programs and tools.

iTunes cannot be used to create podcasts but some audio and video files can be converted with iTunes to a file format that can be played across all Apple devices.

Can I host my podcast on the iTunes Store?

No, the iTunes Store does not host podcasts.

You must host media files and RSS feeds on your own web servers or use a third-party web hosting provider. You can then submit your podcast feed for inclusion in the iTunes Store podcast directory.

What is a podcast feed?

A podcast feed is a URL to an RSS (rich site summary) in XML format. RSS is a technology for announcing updates to a website, and XML is a format for creating content on the Internet.

To publish a podcast in iTunes, you must first set up a website that generates an RSS feed. When you update the site that hosts your podcast, the RSS feed notifies iTunes that a new episode is available.

How do I submit my podcast feed?

To submit your podcast feed, click Submit a Podcast in the Podcast Quick Links of the Podcasts section in the iTunes Store. An Apple ID is required.

Can I submit a test podcast feed?

The iTunes Store does not accept test podcast feeds.

To diagnose problems with your feed, manually subscribe to your podcast in iTunes by choosing File > Subscribe to Podcast, then use a third-party feed validation service.

I submitted my podcast feed, but I can’t find it in the iTunes Store.

If you have successfully submitted your podcast feed, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address associated with your Apple ID. If you have specified a different itunes:owner email address in the XML for your RSS feed, the confirmation email will be sent there instead.

After submission, your podcast will be reviewed by Apple for approval. If your podcast is approved, you will be sent a second confirmation email with a link to your podcast. This podcast link will be live shortly after this email has been sent. Your podcast will not become searchable in the iTunes Store until it is indexed, which may take up to 24 hours.

Why is complete metadata in the XML for my podcast feed so important?

Most new subscribers find a podcast by searching the iTunes Store. Without accurate and relevant metadata, listeners may be unable to find your podcast or to decide whether to subscribe to your podcast.

Metadata includes the description of your podcast for potential subscribers and the category information for the iTunes Store search and browse functions.

Your podcast must include accurate and relevant metadata to be eligible for being featured in the Podcasts app for iOS or the iTunes Store.

Why do I need cover art?

High quality cover art attracts new subscribers to your podcast. We recommend including a title, brand, or source name as part of your cover art.

Cover art must be in the JPEG or PNG file formats and in the RGB color space with a minimum size of 1400 x 1400 pixels and a maximum size of 3000 x 3000 pixels.

For examples of cover art, see Top Podcasts section in the Podcasts app or the iTunes Store.

Why was my podcast rejected or removed?

Podcasts, and all elements of podcasts, cannot contain any of the following:

- Password protection

- Use of explicit language in the podcast when the <explicit> tag is not set to “yes”

- References to illegal drugs, profanity, or violence in the podcast title, description, or cover art

- Images or language that could be construed as racist, misogynist, or homophobic

- Images depicting sex, violence, gore, illegal drugs, or hate themes

- Third-party trademarks without authorization or usage rights

- The words “iTunes Store,” “iTunes,” or “Apple Inc.”

- iTunes Store logo, Apple logo, or the term “Exclusive” without prior authorization from Apple

Podcasts with technical problems or without any episodes will be removed. If you do not update your podcast with new episodes, your podcast may disappear from some areas of the iTunes Store but will continue to be available via search on the iTunes Store and in the Podcasts app for iOS.

Can I have a review removed?

Apple does not remove reviews for editorial purposes. You may request removal of reviews that contain profanity, hate speech, explicit or pornographic content, or content that is entirely off-topic.

To request removal of a review, click Report a Concern for that review.

Does the iTunes Store allow podcasts containing advertising or sponsoring?

Yes, advertising and sponsoring in podcasts is allowed.

Can I sell my podcast in the iTunes Store?

No, podcasts can only be offered for free in the iTunes Store. Podcasts requiring an external user name and password are not allowed.

Can I password-protect my podcast?

iTunes and the Podcasts app support Basic and Digest Authorization, but the iTunes Store does not list password-protected podcasts.

Do I need an Apple ID to submit a podcast feed?

Yes, you must sign in with a valid Apple ID to submit a podcast. Submitting a podcast feed is free.

How do I find out how many subscribers my podcast has?

You may obtain subscription or download information from the server that hosts your podcast episodes.

Can I earn money by linking to the iTunes Store?

Yes. When you join the Affiliate Program and link to any content (paid or free) on the iTunes Store, App Store, Mac App Store, and iBooks Store, you earn commissions on sales that users make for up to 24 hours after clicking your link.

Affiliate links can be shared on social media or included in your podcast or episode descriptions or subtitles to recommend or promote any content on the iTunes Store, App Store, Mac App Store, and iBooks Store.